and the most frustrating thing is still how the red line going from here to downtown stops at 1 AM sometimes...everything should be a) 24/7 and b) um, a bit faster than driving― Vichitravirya XI, Tuesday, 14 June 2005 21:55 (4 years ago)

One battle in the war over the proposed extension of the Long Beach (710) Freeway may soon be over. A bill by Assemblyman Gil Cedillo (D-Los Angeles) to restore South Pasadena’s power to block a surface freeway through town has passed in the Assembly and is awaiting action in the Senate.

South Pasadena, along with Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge and other nearby communities, is opposed to an extension of the 710 Freeway from its Alhambra terminus to the Foothill (210) Freeway.

Proponents say the link is needed to speed truck traffic from the Port of Los Angeles to inland transportation hubs. Area residents are concerned about construction disruption, traffic, air pollution and costs for the long-planned but never-funded project. South Pasadena is particularly concerned, as the shortest route connecting the 710 and 210 freeways is a 4.5-mile course through the city.

SOUTH PASADENA - The City Council voted Wednesday to ease its long- standing opposition to any and all extensions of the 710 Freeway.

The city will now agree to review the environmental report of alternate extension routes, such as underground or light-rail alternatives. The city has been opposed to any extension for more than 60 years.

The vote clears the way for a possible Assembly bill that would give South Pasadena negotiating power with Caltrans.

"It's a step toward working with the surrounding communities," Mayor Mike Ten said. "Now it's up to the surrounding communities to take steps towards working with us."

Officials voted to rescind Resolution 7147, which the council passed in February. The resolution strictly defined the city's stance as opposed to any and all extensions of the 710 Freeway.